The Kansas City Health Department officials said it was not clear if the students contracted shigellosis.

The school said the sick students reported symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea and stomachaches.

Health officials said they have seen increasing cases of shigellosis this year. The students will need to be tested by their doctors to determine if it is shigella.

"That's definitely a concern for the community. I just hope that everybody tries to keep their kids clean, and wash their hands, like you try to tell them all the time," said Eva Jennings who lives near the school.